Author: Cait Kearney
Creativity, community, and the electric sports pride of Philadelphia converged at AIGA’s Eagles Poster Design Contest and Watch Party, hosted in partnership with Two Locals Brewing and with support of the Philadelphia Eagles’ design team.
“Philly vs. The World”–the theme of the event–embodied that electric pride and went beyond just football. It was a celebration of how Philly creatives continue to break expectations, claim space, and make our voices impossible to ignore.
“We laughed, danced, screamed, and (maybe) cried together all in the name of sports and creativity,” said Giselle Duran, AIGA Philadelphia’s Social Media Engagement Director who conceptualized and coordinated the event. “We were beyond proud to showcase the work of 17 talented designers, and the community’s response was absolutely incredible.”
The event raised $800 for AIGA funding and reinforced that design has the power to bring people together across industries, interests, and communities.
Championing Local Designers
Seventeen AIGA members participated in the event’s poster contest, including AIGA 2024 Scholarship Recipients Teva Dang and Lauryn Samson.
Contestants exhibited an impressive range of graphic art and design skills, from custom illustrations to lettering to photomontages. Just as impressive were their abilities to convey the grit and zeal of the city’s “Philly vs. the World” mindset.
“The world is a tough place, but the people of Philadelphia never stray too far from the love for their city,” said Malayna DiPlacido, first-place contest winner.
[Photos that were used in Instagram carousel of the winning posters]
DiPlacido cleverly included the tagline “Philly vs. All Youse” on her poster, which she illustrated star Eagles player Saquon Barkley juking a Cowboys defender.
The poster contest winners were:
- 1st Place: Malayna DiPlacido
- 2nd Place: Kayleigh Saboja
- 3rd Place: Hannah Effinger
AIGA loved bringing designers together for a fun evening, while also supporting their work. It is this empowerment that lies at the heart of AIGA’s mission.
“Being in a room filled with local creatives and having my poster displayed amongst 16 other talented designers made for an incredible night,” said Saboja.
Fostering Partnerships
The design competition and watch party kicked off a new partnership between AIGA, Two Locals Brewing Company, where the event was held, and the Philadelphia Eagles’ design team.
Two Locals Brewing Co., located in West Philly, is Philadelphia’s first black-owned brewery, and, beyond serving tasty, well-crafted beverages, works to show the community the opportunities available in the brewing industry.
This event was the first of many accomplishments for us. From conception to execution, our partners supported our vision and provided the resources to make this the event of the season.
– Giselle Duran – ‘24-’26 Social Media Engagement Director
Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles’ design team made a generous donation in support of the event, including commemorative picture frames and signed memorabilia to distribute amongst the winners, and a private collection photobook celebrating Super Bowl LIX, “Brazil to Broad St.,” signed by #33 Cooper DeJean, to raffle off.
Lastly, AIGA wouldn’t be the community-driven organization we are if we didn’t highlight a local small business vendor. Not only did attendees participate in live voting to determine the winners, but they also had the chance to shop for new Eagles merch from a Philly-born and bred clothing brand, The SideMoney Company.
AIGA is grateful for all the individuals and organizations that contributed to making this event possible and a success! Go Birds!
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